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The North American Sommelier Association has expanded into the beautiful wine region of Oregon with an initial offering of our signature Italian Wine Specialist course in Portland.
Partnering with the 'Wine & Spirits Archive', the course will be offered starting JANUARY 25th 2014.
Enrollment is already OPEN !
Go here for more info.
The North American Sommelier Association Certified Sommelier Course, or my days spent learning to sniff, swirl and spit. Professionally.
By Jonathan Chan.
I'm a hardcore researcher. If I'm thinking of purchasing something, I'll learn everything I can before I buy. This includes movies, pomade, flower delivery companies, restaurants, home karaoke units, you name it. Hey, I work hard for my money. I want to know that I'm committing to the best and greatest value.
So, when it came to taking my wine knowledge to the next level, I went into uber-researcher mode and discovered NASA – The North American Sommelier Association.
Thus begins the results of my research and (now having gone through the Certified Sommelier course), the reality:
1) Class Time
Research:
While other Sommelier organizations offer zero to a few hours of preparation prior to the exam, NASA provides the longest amount of Certified Sommelier, classroom wine-education time – over 150 hours.
Reality:
This is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to learn from experts and not solely from books or feel like I was just paying to take an exam.
2) Instructors
Research:
The course is taught by multiple, international, teachers (all who work within the wine industry). They are amongst the most qualified in the world, providing first-hand knowledge of each subject.
Reality:
The instructors were often natives from the particular wine regions (some travelled from outside the US to teach our class) we'd be learning or winemaking and winegrowing experts or they’d written books. The insights shared were invaluable and loaded with colorful, insider anecdotes.
3) Food and Wine Pairing
Research:
The course significantly concentrates on technical food and wine pairing with an internationally patented method, including an exclusive Food and Wine-pairing textbook.
Reality: This section of the course is like looking behind the curtain to discover the secrets of the magic trick. By following the food and wine pairing method and experimenting with various combinations in class, plus a remarkable multi-course wine dinner, I'm now able to understand harmonious food and wine pairings and can discern why a pairing is or is not successful. The result is that my standards for food and wine pairing have been elevated.
4) Reputation
Research:
There are a number of Sommelier organizations that can bestow the Certified Sommelier certification and represent the industry. Outside of the instruction, how does the North American Sommelier Association compare as a viable option?
Reality:
The North American Sommelier Association is part of an umbrella organization: WSA - Worldwide Sommelier Association -- the largest Somm association in the world. The certification is issued directly by WSA from Europe and recognized officially not only in North America, but throughout the globe. NASA also offers continuing education and job opportunities.
5) Is it worth it?
Research:
Cost for the entire Certified Sommelier Course: $3600. This includes all textbooks, tools and one year membership in NASA.
Reality:
Let's break it down:
This is not an introductory wine course. It's for serious wine-lovers who are willing to commit time and effort to become professionals, for a career or for a personal best. Full disclosure, I just missed passing the Certified Sommelier exam. I wasn’t alone, as others also missed the mark. Did I fail? Far from it.
Here are my takeaways from the class:
My wine-knowledge has grown exponentially. In my retail job, I've been able to turn around my store – making it the #1 Wine Department in our district.
Networking. My classmates came from all walks and socio-economic levels of life, some in the wine industry, some not. Regardless of background, there were no snobs or elitists. Everyone was so supportive and eager to help. I've made friends for life.
Support system. The “no snobs” also includes the members, board and staff of the North American Sommelier Association. Every single one is a professional and a mentor figure constantly guiding the students. They have our best interests in mind, allowing us full access with emails or calls about anything wine-related, whether we passed or not.
Continuing education. Each month there are tastings, seminars, wine dinners, and special networking events that are either free or discounted for North American Sommelier Association members. Add in the growing list of Master Classes and tie-ins with fellow wine organizations and you have all the tools to grow as a wine professional.
Along with everything I documented above, we tasted over 100 wines, beers, and spirits, enjoyed food and wine pairings, participated in service situations, engaged in sensory exercises, travelled to wine tasting rooms, vineyards and a winery. With all the hours of in-class instruction, I calculated this course to be about $24 an hour. It's not pocket change but it's a fair price when compared to grad or culinary school. Wine education is an eternal adventure. If you want a career in wine you can't do it alone. You need a friend, a mentor, and an organization like NASA that will support you each step of the way.
Cheers!
Jonathan Chan
Monday May 20th saw the graduation of the North American Sommelier Association Los Angeles Class of 2013. In a gorgeous Hollywood setting with the Hollywood sign as a backdrop to the patio, the following individuals have been heralded into the global family of Silver-Pin Certified Sommeliers belonging to the 'Worldwide Sommelier Association':
Blaine Brown
Cesare Vietina
Adrian Migliore
Irina Ponomarenko
Kristen Scott
Filippo Cortivo
Christina Reveles
Nader Kaiser
Sandford Frey
Afshin Behnia
Christopher Prewett
Raimondo Boggia
CONGRATULATIONS ! NASA would also like to thank VILLA SANDI and TRASTEVERE HOLLYWOOD.
The North American Sommelier Association and a few of its products have been featured in the LOS ANGELES TIMES. A sincere "thank you!" to Irene Virbila for the write-up.
Monday 22nd of April saw the semi-final and final of the WSA Best Sommelier in the world competition, nestled in a gorgeous setting of an old London hotel (Park Lane Sheraton) and kissed by an unusually sunny and warm springtime weather for this world class city.
The Park Lane Hotel, London (UK)
The semi-final consisted in a brutally intense series of examinations and trials leading to the 3 highest-scoring candidates to take the stage for the afternoon final. A sprint-timed written test of 50 questions from enology & viticulture to enography (wines of the world), blind tastings, food pairing, spirits, beers, producer & label recognition and an oral communication trial.
The list of semi-finalists represents the best the world has to offer from 21 different countries that adhere to the WSA (Worldwide Sommelier Association) "umbrella":
Albania: Sokol Mdreko
Belgium: Carlo Ferrigno
Brazil: Athila Ross, Diego Dequigiovanni
Canada: Andrea Tonicello
China: Cheng Yi Chen
Czech Republic: Stepan Zraly
France: Jonathan Fillion
Germany: Vasilica Marinella Ardelean
Italy: Andrea Balleri, Dennis Metz, Luca Martini
Latvia: Maksims Merkulovs
Mexico: Juan Carlos Flores Mazon
Peru: Fernando Cubas
Russia: Denis Ovcharenko, Novikov
Romania: Claudiu Stefan Timofti
San Marinio: Elida Sota
Singapore: Matteo Lussana
Slovenia: David Vasiljevic
South Korea: Oliver Brandeburg
Switzerland: Angelo De Raimondo, Giuseppe Albaceli
USA: Diego Maraviglia
UK: Sam McDonald
Representing the USA and NASA (North American Sommelier Association) was our Vice President & Director of Education DIEGO MERAVIGLIA, who ranked 5th in the overall end results.
"It was heavy! This was one of the most challenging tests I have ever taken and I am very satisfied with the result ! My bad, I ran out of time in the written test and did not answer the last 60-point question which would have most likely resulted in a higher ranking. It was a fantastic experience though and I would do it over again. I ran into old friends, met new colleagues, made new friends and had a great time. I am happy with my ranking and I will try it again in 2 years ! Kudos to the winner Luca Martini (Italy) and to all the other candidates that came from around the world...this took a lot of courage and being there in the semi-final is a great honor for everyone and anyone. I deeply thank the WSA and its President Franco Ricci, VP Antonello Maietta, the local organizers of the event Andrea Rinaldi (UK Sommelier Association) and all the jury as well as all the great Somms that were there to compete...thanks for making it a memorable day ! FOr me this was a victory nonetheless and I dedicate it to all our members, my supporting friends and family as well as the recent victims of Boston."
NASA's Diego Meraviglia with the star-spangled banner
The next WSA 'Best Sommelier In The World' competition will take place in 2015 in Cancun, Mexico. NASA will run a national selection competition for the 3 best candidates to represent USA for this prestigious title, towards the 2nd half of 2014. Stay tuned !
North American Sommelier Association
WORLDWIDE SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION, LONDON 2013 : PRESS RELEASE.
On Monday 22nd April 2013, The Park Lane Hotel in London will host the finals of the Competition that will crown the Best Sommelier in the World of the Worldwide Sommelier Association.
Arguably one of London’s finest examples of Art Deco, the hotel’s listed, 11,000-square foot Ballroom complex in the heart of London’s Piccadilly, will be the magical backdrop for a unique programme that will bring together and compare the professionalism of Sommeliers from 31 Countries. Three finalists will be selected out of these Sommeliers and presented at 4.00 pm on Monday 22nd April 2013. Promptly after the three finalists’ selection, we will witness a series of very interesting and captivating challenges and performances that will end in the proclamation of the "Best Sommelier in the World 2013". Immediately after the winner is selected, the announcement will appear on the website www.worldwidesommelier.com
Some well-known producers such as Gaja, Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Berlucchi, Antinori, Cantina Terlano, Jermann, Bellavista and Feudi San Gregorio will be showcasing their fabulous wines (see the full list of participants below). Mr. Franco Ricci, the President of the Worldwide Sommelier Association, the largest Association of Sommeliers with over 100,000 members, has declared his enthusiasm in organising the foremost competition in the World of Wine, in the best possible location: London, an internationally renowned leading business centre, and cultural melting pot for global food and wine. Co-hosts will be the UK Sommelier Association, headed by the President Mr. Andrea Rinaldi and his General Manager Ms. Federica Zanghirella. Their main duty will be overseeing the smooth running of the day’s events as well as being the crucial contact for all logistics.
The NORTH AMERICAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION is proud to announce that our Vice President and Director Of Education DIEGO MERAVIGLIA will be representing NASA in this acclaimed international competition.
We wish him the very best of luck !
NASA NorCal district manager MAURO CIRILLI, Sommelier / Master Taster and Wine Director at the San Francisco famous PRESS CLUB, was featured in the Tasting Panel magazine for his innovative and pioneering wine program featuring one of the most ingenious tools ever invented in wine.
The journalistic heading EXAMINER has released a great piece on the Sicily seminar that the North American Sommelier Association held for its members at the Valentino Restaurant in Santa Monica.
Thank you to Roberta Rinaldi for the awesome article !
It is with great pleasure that we announce that the North American Sommelier Association has finally expanded into the Canadian territory. Thanks to the hard work of our National Chapters Liaison Officer, Silvio Di Silvio, & the treasured cooperation of our Montreal delegate, Carmine Caravaggio, NASA will open its services in the Canadian hub of MONTREAL with our signature 'Italian Wine Specialist Certification' !
The course dates are : MARCH (2013) 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th & exam on the 24th
Enrollment will open soon !
The North American Sommelier Association looks forward to a promising and exciting 2013 in Canada.
The newspaper Italo Americano (Italian) interviewed NASA VP Diego Meraviglia in occasion of the regional dinners organized with OBIKA Century City.
For all the Italian readers, you can view the interview here : READ THE INTERVIEW (Italian)
The North American Sommelier Association was awarded the prestigious City of Los Angeles Certificate of Recognition by mayor Villaraigosa. The award was presented to NASA President Alessia Botturi in occasion of the VIVA VINO 2012 launch event, held at Caffe Roma in Beverly Hills, CA.
VIVA VINO is the signature event of the North American Sommelier Association in partnership with the Italy-American Chamber of Commerced West and Please The Palate.
Everyone at the association is extremely grateful for to the city of Los Angeles for its support and recognition and looks forward to further successes in the years to come.
San Francisco, the upcoming Italian Wine Specialist class has been cancelled and rescheduled for September due to a last minute emergency. New dates will be announced shortly. The North American Sommelier Association apologizes for the inconvenience and invites all students to contact us for re-enrollment. Thank you for your understanding.
VIVA VINO LA is the largest Italian wine event staged on the West Coast. From seminars to tastings to dinners, VIVA VINO LA offers an exceptional array of events for consumers and trade to experience Italian wines made with native grapes.
Partnering with a carefully selected group of restaurants and retailers that represent the best of Italian culture in the Los Angeles area, VIVA VINO LA offers a variety of events to throughout the city to engage and entertain.
A great array of events from May 14 thru 1
The North American Sommelier Association has officially opened it's LAS VEGAS chapter, with a 1st Italian Wine Specialist Certificate course scheduled for June 2012.
The chapter is represented and managed by GINO FERRARO Ferraro's Restaurant and Wine Bar, a staple in the city of Las Vegas.
NASA is honored and grateful to have them on board and we look forward to many events, seminars, courses and activities for the las Vegas wine community!
Our new branch is officially open and the first Italian Specialist course in Houston has been successfully completed.
Hail James King, our Houston Chapter Director!
NASA has recently expanded in California by adding the 3rd major urban center for the State and namely the 2nd largest community of SoCal. The procedure to officially open the chapter is underway ! In the meantime, the 1st course has been scheduled and booked in the sun city of California ! SAN DIEGO will see the North American Sommelier Association’s signature certificate course ‘Italian Wine Specialist’ debut in April of this new year.
The #1 Italian Sommelier magazine has published an article on NASAs signature yearly wine event VIVA VINO LA, coming up in May 2012 for its 2nd edition!
READ THE ARTICLE (Italian)
NASA has begun collaborations with the East European Sommeliers and Experts Association. This cooperation will entail seminars, training and education offered by NASA on the world of Eastern European wines and spirits.
In further news, NASA has awarded OBIKA’ & TERRONI RESTAURANT (Los Angeles) with the prestigious and limited‘Friend of Sommeliers’ certificate. This limited certificate is awarded to restaurants that show a distinctively continuous dedication to quality wine education and promotion, effectively bringing them into the NASA family as cooperating entities.
Alessia Botturi (NASA President)
& Max Stefanelli (Terroni Restaurant)
Alessia Botturi (NASA President)
& Raimondo Boggia (Obika’)
NASA has landed in Houston : The ‘Italian Wine Specialist Certificate’ will see it’s first Texan opening in the lone star State’s major city in FEBRUARY 2012. A great way to kick off the association’s new year. All of us at the North American Sommelier Association look forward to our cooperation with course director James King and future years to come in Texas.